Surprise party falls victim to Thomond Park vandals

A SURPRISE 21st birthday party last night became the latest casualty of a vandal attack on the playing pitch at Thomond Park, where a number of rugby games have already been cancelled.

Mother of three Geraldine Hogan had booked the UL Bohemians pavilion in the main stand at Thomond Park for a surprise party for her youngest daughter, Melanie, who was 21 yesterday.

Geraldine said: “I got a phone call on Thursday afternoon saying the IRFU would not allow the party to go ahead due to the damage on the field. What that has got to do with a party inside the pavilion, I cannot understand.”

Geraldine then began a frantic search for an alternative venue. She said: “I had organised caterers, karaoke, a band, decorations and invited more than 100 relatives and friends. But when I tried to get another venue they could either not organise food or we could not have the music.”

Geraldine said she had paid out much of the €1,500 budget she had set aside for the party.

“The money aspect does not bother me, it was just trying to give Melanie a night to remember,” she said.

Late yesterday afternoon McMahon’s pub in Ardnacrusha came to the rescue and the party went ahead in their function room last night.

A garda investigation into the attack on the playing pitch continued yesterday.

More than 490 holes were dug with shovels on Wednesday between 4.15pm and 6.30pm.

Chief Supt Willie Keane said last night that a full investigation was ongoing. No arrests have been made.

All sporting events at the grounds have been cancelled until October 23 and there are fears that the ground may be out of action for much longer if there is difficulty in getting new sodding to take root as the weather gets colder.